Intelligent Automation and Robotics in Modern Manufacturing

Abstract

A mixed-method research design was used to research the role of intelligent automation and robotics in modern manufacturing performance, specifically on industrial robot, collaborative robot, automated production system, machine vision, artificial intelligence and robotic process-control system. A structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from manufacturing firms from production managers, engineers, automation technicians and operational staff, with the aim of measuring the adoption of intelligent automation, integration of robotics, production efficiency, operational flexibility, product quality, workplace safety and manufacturing productivity. Semi-structured interviews with selected industry representatives were used to gain a more in-depth understanding of implementation experiences and organizational consequences. Descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the quantitative data and thematic analysis was used for the interview responses. The quantitative findings showed that the adoption of intelligent automation and the integration of robotics were significantly and positively related to production efficiency, operational flexibility, product quality, workplace safety and manufacturing productivity, and that the adoption of such technologies, along with production efficiency and product quality, significantly predicted manufacturing productivity. Recurring implementation hurdles identified from the thematic analysis included technical integration challenges, problems with workforce adaptation and training, safety and trust issues, and cost-justification pressures, while consistently reported productivity and quality improvements occurred once these obstacles were overcome. The study finds that intelligent automation and robotics deliver ROI in manufacturing performance, but implementation of these gains requires effective management of human, technical and financial aspects.